The money donated to local rescue organizations in Betty White's honor will go towards helping and housing furry friends like Bitz, a 1.5 year old orange tabby. Bitz is a love-bug who enjoys belly rubs and gets along well with other cats and dogs. You can meet Bitz and other adoptables by contacting the Southern Alberta Humane Society. - SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As the world still reels from the Dec. 31, 2021 passing of American actress, comedian and Golden Girl, Betty White, fans paid tribute to her on Jan. 17 – what would have been her 100th birthday – by donating to animal rescue organizations.
Local organizations report they saw a significant increase in the number of donations on what’s been deemed Betty White Day and are grateful her legacy of caring for animals continues.
“(Donations) are coming in today like crazy,” De Seaton, president of the Southern Alberta Humane Society, told the News. “We’ve had over 200 donations so far… and they are still coming in… We’ve even had donations from B.C.”
As a long-time fan of Betty White, Seaton is grateful for the donations and believes White would be as well.
“It’s an amazing gift from Betty White,” Seaton said. “She was such an animal advocate. A huge animal advocate… She would be so thrilled. It would mean the world to her.”
Staff at Alberta Pound and Rescue Centres also received a higher volume of donations Monday, most of which were in White’s name.
“(The number of donations has) definitely increased,” APARC general manager Kaylyn Major, told the News. “It’s amazing. Every time our (webpage) would reload there were so many more donations from people.
“It just fills your heart with the goodness of people…(Witnessing) everyone come together on this one day to celebrate Betty White’s kindness, and giving us that in return, is so hopeful. It’s so amazing.”
Representatives from Medicine Hat’s SPCA estimate it will take some time to add up all the donations from Betty White Day, and thank Hatters for their support.
All three organizations confirmed the funds would be put towards animal care, including the purchasing of food, costs related to sheltering the animals and vet bills, specifically spaying and neutering – an issue for which White was a vocal advocate.
